Abu Dhabi business incubator launches $1m drone design competition

An Abu Dhabi-based business incubator has launched a global competition with a $1million prize to challenge the limits of drone engineering.

Krypto Labs’ Drone X Challenge 2018 gives participants a year to develop a drone that is capable of operating for two hours at a time, carry loads of up to 500 kilograms using both gas and/or battery powered engines, and manoeuvre in a fast, safe, and precise manner.

Applications must include fixed-wing or propeller-based drones, the competition rules said.

The challenge seeks “outstanding designs” in two domains: innovation in manoeuvrability, and innovation in transportation.

The competition is open to individuals, groups, entrepreneurs, university students, research and development projects, and companies around the world.

The winner of the challenge is expected to offer innovative, inventive, and disruptive products or services which are agile, original, and have scalable commercial applications, Krypto said.

“It is no secret that we are going through a transformational era. The digital revolution is reshaping many features of modern life around the world, and drone technologies are a solid proof of that”, said Dr Saleh Al Hashemi, managing director of Krypto.

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He said the company aims to redefine the way drone technology can serve humanity.

Krypto Labs was launched last October with $100 million in funding.

The venture capital enterprise aims to support local and international start-ups, with a goal of

assisting 100 young businesses over the next three years.

The selection criteria, timeline, and deadline will be announced soon, said Krypto Labs.

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